Velasco Stops Vargas, Retains South American Súper Lightweight title in Argentina
By Carlos Costa
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 28 Dec 2020
Juan José “Pitbull” Velasco from Jujuy, Argentina, kept his South American super lightweight title by stopping compatriot La Rioja challenger Marcelo Ezequiel “Itaka” Vargas in a crushing 4th round TKO in the main event of the evening of boxing held December 26 at the Jorge Newbery Municipal Sports Center in Río Ceballos, Córdoba, a show that was the closure of the 2020 boxing calendar in Argentina.
It was the 1st defense of Velasco who looked dominant from the first bell, demonstrating a very effective battling style against the taller and longer reach of his tough opponent Vargas who tried, but could do little against him.
Velasco also displayed for fans the fighting experience that he has acquired in tough rumbles abroad and during his amateur years in AIBA boxing.
At the end of the 3rd chapter, “Pittbull” Velasco – who trains at the legendary Almagro Boxing Club in Ciudad de Buenos Aires – was clearly controlling Vargas who was barely surviving the vicious attacks.
But in the following episode, Vargas failed to stay on his feet, falling to the canvas after a barrage of furious blows thrown at him by the South American champion impacted him crushingly.
Vargas managed to get up from the mat, but, visibly hurt, he turned his back to the referee Ariel Álvarez as the third man was counting, prompting the end of the battle.
With this victory, the 33-year-old “Pitbull” Velasco improves his already good record to 22-2 with 14 KOs, getting warmed up for tougher super lightweight wars in 2021.
In the co-feature, the Chaco boxer based in Coronda, Santa Fé, Diego Ramírez (68.8 kilos), outclassed and defeated Guillermo Suárez (67.4 Kgs) in a split decision after 8 rounds of boxing.
It was a contest in which the winner Ramírez seemed the superior fighter. However, one judge scored for Suárez, which felt inaccurate. Fortunately, the other two judges were right on target.
The show, done with with the support of the Sports and Recreation Directorate of Río Ceballos and Agustino Cueros, was aired live in Latin America on channel TyC Sports
More results for the event are as follows:
Daniel Combi (60,6 Kgs) decisioned in 6 rounds (majority) Nicolás Herrera (60.4 kilos).
Williams Herrera (65,6 kilos) outclassed in 6 (unanimous) Rodrigo Escasena (66.3 kilos).
Víctor Hugo Exner (78.2 kilos) scored KO in 4 over Maximiliano Fuentes (78.6 Kgs).
The main photo, courtesy of Tello Box, shows the winner South American Super Lightweight Champion Juan José Velasco holding the belt that he retaned with his stoppage win over Vargas.
Promoters for the entertaining evening of boxing in Argentina were Sampson Lewkowicz in association with Tello Box.
Carlos Costa can be reached at carlos512@hotmail.com and WhatsApp +639184538152.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carlos Costa.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
A night of power, legacy, and UAE pride: IBA Men’s World Boxing Championships opens in spectacular fashion in Dubai
Wed, 03 Dec 2025OKC Thunder is NBA 2025-2026 Strongest Team
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 03 Dec 2025Who was Clever Sison?
By Joaquin Henson, Wed, 03 Dec 2025MATCHROOM BOXING RETURNS TO FONTAINEBLEAU LAS VEGAS WITH MURATALLA-CRUZ FIGHT, JAN. 24, 2026
Wed, 03 Dec 2025TRAINING CAMP NOTES: Undefeated Featherweight Luis Nuñez Prepares for Hector Sosa Showdown on PBC on Prime Video
Wed, 03 Dec 2025Darry Bernardo, 4 other Pinoys in hot start in 3rd Asian Chess Championship 2025 for players with disabilities
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 03 Dec 2025Two Pacquiaos on same card?
By Joaquin Henson, Tue, 02 Dec 2025OLYMPIC BOXING 4: 1924 OLYMPICS AT PARIS, FRANCE
By Maloney L. Samaco, Tue, 02 Dec 2025Cebuana Lhuillier-Backed UTP National Team Shines at 40th Penang Open, Captures Multiple Titles
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 02 Dec 2025WBC 63th Annual Convention Opens in Bangkok
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Tue, 02 Dec 2025Undefeated Brooklyn heavyweight prospect Pryce Taylor closing out a strong 2026
Tue, 02 Dec 2025USA Boxing Announces Partnership with Xempower USA
Tue, 02 Dec 2025THE RING 6: TEOFIMO-SHAKUR SET FOR JANUARY SHOWDOWN IN NEW YORK
Tue, 02 Dec 2025Undefeated Middleweight Dante Kirkman Set to Return December 11 in Costa Mesa
Tue, 02 Dec 2025Dejon Farrell Francis Turning Things Around
Tue, 02 Dec 2025